Beginning, Section II

Part XV

Posted on Tuesday, 13 December 2005

A week later, Elizabeth sat with her mother and younger sisters in the drawing room. As they’d done every day, Jane and her fiancé were walking in the gardens. Bingley had been as constant as the Bennets could have dreamed, offering his friendship and comfort to all. Mrs. Bennet happily prattled on about Lydia’s marriage, their upcoming visit, her generous brother Gardiner and how good it was to have a daughter married. Mary listened with a disapproving air as she studied a letter which she’d wrinkled from grasping so tightly and frequently. Elizabeth tried not to dwell on how unhappy she was as the time since Darcy’s last visit stretched onward. Kitty was fretful and restless as she looked out the window.

Suddenly Kitty cried, “What an enormous carriage!” They all joined her at the window to see who called.

As the others admired the chaise and four, Elizabeth stood back, registered surprise, and then sat. She recognized the livery as that of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. She took up her work again and assumed an air of calm as she waited for the door to be thrown open.

She nearly giggled as that occurred. There seemed no other way for that lady to enter a room, by Elizabeth’s reckoning. Lady Catherine seemed even more ungracious than Elizabeth remembered. She barely responded to Elizabeth’s greeting and requested no introduction to the others at first. Elizabeth’s expression was placid and pleasant as she waited for Lady Catherine to remember her manners and speak.

Finally, Lady Catherine said stiffly, “I see you are well, Miss Bennet.” Then she looked at Mrs. Bennet and said, “That lady is, I suppose, your mother.” Elizabeth nodded. Lady Catherine continued, “And I suppose these girls to be your sisters.” She looked dismissively at Mary and Kitty.

Mrs. Bennet tentatively offered, “Yes. They are my youngest girls but one. She is lately married. And my eldest daughter walks the grounds with the young man she is to marry.”

Lady Catherine sniffed, “You have a very small park.” The others only looked at her. She continued, “And this is a most inconvenient sitting room. Why, the windows are full west!”

Mrs. Bennet replied, “We do not sit here in the evening, ma’am.” She furrowed her brow and asked, “May I inquire whether you left Mr. and Mrs. Collins well?”

Lady Catherine nodded.

Elizabeth half wondered if a letter from Charlotte might have motivated Lady Catherine’s call, but was not really surprised when no such letter was produced. Her previous experience with Lady Catherine had not included much of common civility. She waited to see what brought the great lady to visit.

Mrs. Bennet politely offered refreshment, but it was refused. Then Lady Catherine asked, “Miss Bennet, would you please show me about the little wilderness on one side of your lawn?”

Elizabeth agreed and went with Lady Catherine, noting that her carriage remained at the door with Anne de Bourgh sitting inside. She greeted Miss de Bourgh and asked Lady Catherine, “Perhaps your daughter would like to join us?” Lady Catherine only glared at Elizabeth and shook her head as she stalked to the side of the house. Miss de Bourgh looked unhappy and fatigued.

There was silence between them for several seconds, seconds during which Elizabeth wondered how she could have thought Mr. Darcy at all like his aunt. Finally, Lady Catherine began, “You can be at no loss to know the reason for my visit.”

Elizabeth shook her head. “I have no idea what brings you here, Lady Catherine.”

Lady Catherine said, “Do not be insincere! I have come to appeal to what little sense of decency you might have, Miss Bennet. You have drawn in my nephew with your cunning arts and allurements and caused him to forget his obligation to family. You have forced him to chase after your wayward sister and buy her honor. You persist in causing others to say that he will marry you. It is too much. I have come to make my disapproval of this known and to persuade you to desist.”

Believing Lydia’s salvation the work of her father and uncle, Elizabeth was dumbstruck. Finally, she said, “What? My sister?”

Lady Catherine said, “I have heard about her marriage, how it is all a patched up business at the cost of her family and mine!”

Elizabeth stared at Lady Catherine. “What do you mean?”

Anne de Bourgh came near and said breathlessly, “I am sorry, Miss Bennet. I told my mother what Colonel Fitzwilliam had shared of the matter when I was trying to help her see how much my Cousin Darcy loves you. I only hoped to secure her permission to marry Andrew without causing a breach with my family. I did not mean for her to lash out at you.”

Lady Catherine hissed, “Get back in the carriage, Anne. Someone will see!”

Eyes wide, Elizabeth noted that Anne de Bourgh no longer looked small and trim, but indeed was with child. Elizabeth said kindly, “Please at least take a seat, Miss de Bourgh. I am sure that such a journey is difficult for you at this time. You should rest.”

Miss de Bourgh looked at Elizabeth cautiously and seated herself on a nearby bench. She pulled her shawl tightly about her and sighed.

Then, ignoring Lady Catherine, Elizabeth asked Anne, “What is this you say about my sister?”

Anne de Bourgh said, “Darcy found them and made him marry her, Miss Bennet. He did it all himself and then forced your father and uncle to take the credit. He does not want you to feel indebted to him. He loves you.”

Elizabeth blinked back tears and said, “Oh! He is the best man I’ve ever known! Thank you for telling me that he still cares!” She choked back a sob.

Anne smiled slightly and said, “Well! And I thought you did not really like Darcy! I take it that the courtship has gone well, that you love him, too?” Elizabeth nodded. Anne continued, “It has been many years since I thought of Darcy for myself at all. He is a bit too clever for my taste; but he is good and he is certainly attractive.” Anne laughed again as Elizabeth caught herself nodding emphatically and blushed.

Lady Catherine said, “Nonsense! Darcy is engaged to marry Anne!” The two younger ladies looked at her in disbelief. She continued, “You must desist in your efforts to draw him in.”

Elizabeth wiped her eyes, stifled a giggle and coolly replied, “I must do nothing of the sort. Your assertions are extraordinary, as is your inability to see plain truths in front of you.”

Lady Catherine sputtered, “What? What?” She stepped forward menacingly.

Elizabeth stood her ground and said, “Your daughter is with child and wants to be married to that child’s father. The man you wanted for your daughter does not love her any more than she loves him. Your coming here will only add to any rumors about Mr. Darcy’s courtship of me. And I will not determine my actions based on the desires of someone so wholly unconnected to me as you are!”

Lady Catherine said, “I am not used to being talked to in this rude manner, young lady. How dare you make such an accusation of my daughter!” She ignored Anne’s choked laughter. “I will not suffer such treatment! I am nearly his closest relation. Propriety, decorum and interest forbid this match. Do not think to ever be recognized by his family! You will be censured by us all.”

Elizabeth laughed, “Mr. Darcy and I do not judge each other by our families.”

Lady Catherine sneered, “Your alliance will be a disgrace. I know who your uncles are. And now you call the son of Pemberley’s former steward Brother? You horrid chit! Your name will not be mentioned by any of us.”

Elizabeth paled slightly at the reference to Wickham, but said, “As great a misfortune as that would be, I know that as Mr. Darcy’s wife I would have extraordinary sources of happiness. I could not repine. Despite your assurances I am resolved only to act in a manner that secures my happiness.”

Anne de Bourgh quietly said, “I apologize for my mother, Miss Bennet. She really does seem overwrought regarding recent events.”

Lady Catherine yelled, “Anne! Return to the carriage!” The younger lady glared at her mother for an instant. Then her shoulders slumped and she stood to go, with a brief nod to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth called out to her, “I offer my best wishes, Miss de Bourgh.” She paused and then added, “I do hope that your mother acts from her love and concern for you, however misguided she may be.” She looked at Anne’s stomach and said pointedly, “A mother can find the courage to do things for her child that she might never find for herself alone.”

Anne de Bourgh nodded and looked at Elizabeth as her hand cupped against her belly in a protective gesture. Then she turned and went to the carriage. Her posture was now straight and proud.

Lady Catherine ranted, “Do you refuse to oblige the claims of honor, duty and gratitude? Is this your answer? Are you determined to ruin him in the opinion of all his friends, and make him the contempt of the world?”

Elizabeth replied, “I have said no such thing and intend no such thing. Neither duty honor, nor gratitude would be disobliged if I were to marry him. It would not give me one moment’s concern if his family were to resent our union, and I credit the world in general with having more sense than to care.”

Lady Catherine shrilled, “This is your final word, then! Well, I shall know how to act. You unfeeling, senseless girl! I offer no compliments to you or your family. You deserve no such attention.” With this, Lady Catherine stalked away to her carriage. Elizabeth watched her go, relieved that their confrontation was done.

Part XVI

Elizabeth wearily made her way back to the house. As she approached, she saw Mary sitting on the swing, dangling her legs, looking despondent and reading a letter. Gently Elizabeth spoke, “Mary?”

Mary put one hand to her mouth as she gasped. The letter fell from her grasp, fluttering to the ground, and Elizabeth bent down to retrieve it. The page was filled with words written in a strong, unfamiliar hand, words which Elizabeth politely did not read. She gave it back to Mary and noted her sister’s guilt-stricken expression.

Elizabeth, confused and concerned, asked, “Are you well?”

Mary choked back a sob and clasped the letter to her chest. She said in a breaking voice, “You are right to suspect me. This letter is what you think it is!” She hung her head, “Oh, though I deserve it not, how I do wish for the balm of sisterly comfort!”

Elizabeth felt compassion for Mary’s awkwardness and said, “It is yours, then.”

Mary looked abashed as she said, “I confess, Elizabeth, that my behavior is not above reproach. I am a hypocrite of the worst kind.” Mary nodded with conviction, the curls about her face bobbing wildly. She said, “While I condemn our sister, Lydia, I also know something of forbidden passion.”

Elizabeth blurted, “What? You?!? What have you done?” Her imagination, so recently furnished with varied and lurid examples, raced.

Mary whispered, “I have exchanged letters with a young man, Mr. Stephen Moore, though we are not engaged. I even once allowed him to grasp my hand for a second as he passed me this letter. I think you may have seen. It was at Aunt Phillips’ house.”

Elizabeth smiled with relief at her sister’s sweet naiveté and asked, “How long has this gone on, Mary?”

The words fairly gushed forth as though Mary had long wished for a confidante. She said, “I first met him last fall. As you know, all of our uncle’s clerks have made it customary to dance with his nieces at assemblies, even me! He is the only to ask me to dance for a second time.” Her expression became more animated and her cheeks looked almost rosy. “We have met many times at stores in town and the lending library. He has expressed appreciation for my studious habits and my musical ability. One time at Lucas Lodge he turned pages for me while I played! I thought I should faint. I likely made more errors in my playing that night than ever before or since!” She gasped. “And a few months back I began to find anonymous notes in books I borrowed from the lending library when I went to claim them. I often saw him watching me as I claimed my books and suspected him from the first. There were poems and scriptures and sometimes little observations and compliments to me! To me! Can you imagine it, Elizabeth? Even after meeting you and Jane and Kitty and Lydia, someone looked at me?”

Elizabeth stepped forward and hugged Mary. She said, “Of course I can imagine it! He sounds like a very thoughtful admirer.”

Mary pulled back and said, “I have endeavored to be reasonable and proper, really I have! I even stopped going to the lending library for a time. But I admit that the notes touch me. I keep them all hidden in my books where I know that Lydia will not think to look so I can read them again. And one day last month impulse caused me to respond in kind. I penned a favorite scripture to paper and left it in a book reserved for him.”

Elizabeth’s smile grew. She sighed, “Oh, I’m sure that he was pleased.”

Mary said carefully, blushing, “He has indicated as much. I confess that our communications have become more direct since that time.”

Elizabeth asked, “Why does he not call at Longbourn?”

Mary’s smile faded, “That is what he asked to do in this letter. But he is not wealthy, Elizabeth. He does not have five or ten thousand a year like your and Jane’s young men. He is merely a clerk. And Mama has made it plain that she expects us all to marry well.” She continued, “All my attempts to encourage her to consider other possibilities fall on deaf ears.” She looked down and added, “Then Lydia ran away and I thought it unfair to expect him to still wish for my friendship in the face of such infamy.”

Elizabeth sighed and said, “I understand your feelings about Lydia’s sad situation, Mary. I have suffered similar fears of losing Mr. Darcy’s friendship.”

Mary said, “I could not help but overhear some of your conversation with Lady Catherine and her daughter. It seems that Mr. Darcy is very much our friend. If not for him, we would have been ruined in the eyes of the world, Lydia most of all.” She nodded soberly.

Elizabeth said, “Yes. We owe him a debt of gratitude.” She paused for a moment and then said, “Mary, I do not think that Papa would regard Mr. Moore’s prospects as our mother would. He did not urge me to accept Mr. Collins because he knew I could not love him. I think that if Mr. Moore showed that he could provide you security and you assured Papa of your mutual regard then Papa would be favorably inclined to the match.”

Mary looked at Elizabeth hesitantly. She asked, “But what of our disgrace? All Meryton knows that they stayed together before they married. What if he has changed his mind about me?”

Elizabeth started to reply, but found that she was choked up as realization washed over her. Finally, she took Mary’s hands in hers and smiled tremulously through tears. She said, “I thank you for helping me to see things more clearly, Mary. In considering this problem on your behalf my judgment is less clouded than it was when selfish concerns confused me.” Tears of joy streamed down Elizabeth’s face as she said, “I believe that if Mr. Moore loves you, if he is really the man you hope him to be, then he will still want to call on you. Surely there has been talk and speculation about Lydia’s marriage, but we are not ruined. We have been spared that fate.”

Mary looked at Elizabeth oddly and asked, “Elizabeth? Have you feared that Mr. Darcy might not call again? Did you not realize that he left as he did to try to help Papa and Uncle Gardiner?”

Elizabeth blushed as she shook her head. Mary hugged her awkwardly. Elizabeth dried her tears and said, “What a farce we have made from our fears, Mary!” Then she laughed and said, “Now, write a reply so that we may all get to know your Mr. Moore!”

Mary blushed and folded the letter she held and returned it to the book she’d laid nearby on the ground. A tentative smile lit her face as she looked at her older sister.

Mrs. Bennet called out, “Elizabeth? Elizabeth? Where are you? Has Lady Catherine already gone?” Reluctantly Elizabeth left Mary and answered her summons. Mrs. Bennet continued, “What civility to call and let us know the Collinses are well! Did she share anything else of import?”

Elizabeth shook her head and claimed not, comforting herself that she did not think Lady Catherine’s words to be of import and therefore she was not truly offering falsehood to her mother.

Since Mr. Bennet’s return from London he’d conceded to change only in that he more often left the door to his library open, and he’d outlined more stringent regulations for Kitty. Elizabeth also thought that he looked at her with a strange smile on his face sometimes, but had not questioned his looks to her until now.

Once free of her mother, Elizabeth slowly made her way to the library. As she stood in the open doorway her father looked up and said, “How was your visit with Lady Catherine de Bourgh?”

Elizabeth closed the door behind her and stood against it. She looked down for a moment and admitted, “Her ladyship was displeased.”

Mr. Bennet said, “She will have to learn to live with such disappointment, I fear, Elizabeth. I have had letters from Mr. Collins in which he cautions us that she does not look upon the match between you and her nephew with a friendly eye. I did not sport with you over it as I am rather disposed to like your young man now.”

Elizabeth said pointedly, “She resented the fact that her nephew paid to secure Lydia’s marriage.”

Mr. Bennet nodded and said, “Ah! Well, I did too. But he was not to be gainsaid and I have recovered from my shame more quickly than I ought. He took the whole of the responsibility on his own shoulders. I even think he believes that you blamed him for the elopement. You are not so foolish as that, are you?”

Elizabeth looked startled. “Why should I blame him?”

Mr. Bennet patted her cheek. “There is hope for the two of you after all then. At least one of you does not think the machinations of a scoundrel and the silliness of a spoilt child are your own to claim.” He cleared his throat and said, “And if he can overcome his feelings of guilt and a modesty unusual in one once reviled as the proudest of men, then I think he may deserve you.” He kissed her forehead and said, “Get on with you now, Lizzy.”

Part XVII

Posted on Thursday, 15 December 2005

Mrs. Bennet was caught between the ecstasy of seeing her youngest married and eldest well-engaged, and despair for her second daughter. Not a day went by that she did not lament Mr. Darcy’s absence. She bemoaned that he’d happened to be there when they first heard of the elopement, for she felt it most unfair he should have heard ill of Lydia when all had turned out well.

The time came for that couple to visit. Though Mr. Bennet had resisted the idea, his elder daughters had prevailed upon him to grant the newlyweds the importance of being received by her family. He reluctantly agreed to the wisdom of their council.

Mrs. Bennet was the only one of the family who welcomed the newly wed couple to Longbourn happily. Lydia’s sisters, save Kitty, felt all the shame they were sure that she ought to feel. Mr. Bingley knew enough of Mr. Wickham to wish to avoid the acquaintance as much as possible without causing Jane grief. Mr. Bennet once again closed his library to visitors and could scarce be counted on to speak a civil word to the pair.

Lydia’s crass giddiness often caused Elizabeth to quit a room and retreat to either good people or good books. She had discovered a new camaraderie with Mary and enjoyed both learning from some of the books Mary studied and encouraging Mary to walk often into Meryton with her. One day at the lending library Elizabeth saw Mary looking at a book that was reserved for Mr. Moore. Mary slipped a letter into the book carefully. As the sisters left Mary grasped Elizabeth’s hand. Elizabeth could feel how Mary trembled and squeezed her hand encouragingly. She glanced back and saw a young man standing at the door to her Uncle’s offices, watching them eagerly. She was touched by the look on his face as he eagerly observed Mary.

Later that day as Elizabeth walked in the garden, Mr. Wickham happened to come upon her. He said prettily, “Well met, good sister! May I take a turn with you?”

Elizabeth reluctantly agreed, nodding politely and saying, “Yes, you may, if you wish it.”

He began to keep pace with her and replied, “I hope that you wish it as well. We were always good friends.”

She thought he looked almost flirtatious until she said, “And now we are brother and sister.” Her expression was politely neutral.

He laughed and said, “Yes, we are. I would never have guessed that we would end as such, dear Elizabeth. I only hope that my past differences with Mr. Darcy have not caused you any concern. I understand from your mother that he has not called in many days.”

Elizabeth asked, “Would you like to meet him again, brother?”

His smile faltered as he opined, “Would that we could meet as friends! But, alas, I fear that his pride prevents it. Likely it is his pride that keeps him from Longbourn as well.” He sighed dramatically. “I always hope that he will change. Thus far he has disappointed me.”

Elizabeth’s eyes flashed as she replied, “Well, I certainly hope that you will be able to bear such disappointment.”

He affected a wounded and noble air as he said, “I have learned to bear with the suffering he has brought me. Indeed, after he denied me the living at Kympton I did feel despair. But I found good ways to pull myself from it. I am sure that with time you will also forget your disappointment in Darcy and learn like me to wish him well.” A smile of satisfaction played about his lips.

Elizabeth said, “Regardless of any outcome I shall think of him as the best man I’ve ever known. He is, as you must admit when you review the truth of your history, an honorable man and a good brother and worthy of all that he calls his own.” She saw Wickham’s astonishment and added, “I have indeed heard that at one time sermon making was not so agreeable to you and that business was compromised fairly between you. But let us not quarrel over the past. Come, brother! Let us join the others.”

She hoped that this conversation would satisfy him so well that he might never again touch on the topic of Mr. Darcy with her.

When ten days were past, the Wickhams departed for the north. Lydia was as boisterous as ever, shouting and waving from the carriage window. Mrs. Bennet bemoaned the distance that would now be between her youngest and the rest of the family. And the others breathed deep sighs of relief to see the Wickham’s carriage depart at last. The only tears they shed were in anxiety for the unhappiness that Lydia must come to know at some point in marriage with such a man.

It was but two days later that Mr. Bennet and his ladies all sat together in the drawing room waiting for Mr. Bingley to arrive when Kitty called from her seat by the window, “Look! A carriage arrives! How fine it is! I wonder who it could be?”

Elizabeth saw her father peer over the top of his paper to look at her with apparent tenderness. She took a deep breath and released it slowly, in search of calm. She watched her mother run to the window and peer out. Kitty said, “Oh! She is lovely. I wonder who she is?”

Jane urged, “Please, Kitty! Do come away from the window. I am sure that we will know soon enough.” Kitty and Mrs. Bennet scurried to their seats. Mary gave a complaining yelp as Kitty bumped against her book on her way to be seated.

Elizabeth found that despite her best efforts at calm, her face had suffused with color and her breathing was a bit shallow. She self-consciously saw both Jane and Mary smile encouragement. Her hands trembled. She was aware of the beating of her heart and kept her eyes turned down to her needlework. As the door opened, she stood along with the others. Hill entered and announced, “Miss Darcy, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley to see you, ma’am.”

Mrs. Bennet squealed with delight and moved forward. She welcomed Mr. Bingley prettily and then said, “Oh! Mr. Darcy we are delighted to see you again!”

Darcy looked at Mrs. Bennet and smiled as he said, “Thank you, Mrs. Bennet. I am sorry that I had to be away from you all for so long.” He turned slightly and said, “May I introduce my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy?” A young lady, very elegant and very shy, stepped forward.

Mrs. Bennet warmly said, “I am so pleased and honored to make your acquaintance, Miss Darcy. We have heard such praise of you! Welcome! And may I introduce my family?” Miss Darcy nodded meekly. Mrs. Bennet continued, “Mr. Bennet sits there by the fire. My eldest daughter, Jane, sits next to him. Beside her is Kitty, my youngest but one who is lately married. Next you see Mary there reading.” With an even larger smile, Mrs. Bennet turned and said, “And this is Elizabeth. There is a seat available next to Elizabeth if you would care to rest, Miss Darcy.”

Miss Darcy looked slightly alarmed at being presented to so many people and glanced to her brother. Elizabeth noted the protectiveness in his posture and also the way he encouraged his sister to take the seat by her. Miss Darcy first curtsied slightly and quietly said, “I am very glad to meet you all.” Then she sat by Elizabeth, her eyes alight with curiosity as she looked at her.

Elizabeth said, “And we are glad to meet you, Miss Darcy. How long do you stay here in Hertfordshire?” She was very conscious of Darcy standing nearby.

Miss Darcy replied, “My schedule is fixed by my brother.”

Mrs. Bennet said, “Well, we hope that your visit will be of some duration. It would not do for your brother to expose you to the rigors of travel too much.”

Miss Darcy colored as she urgently replied, “Oh! He would never do that. He is the best of brothers and always very attentive to my well being.”

Elizabeth said, “I am sure that he is. You make me envious. I always wished for a brother. I only have sisters, as you see.”

Miss Darcy said, “I have always wished for a sister.” She met Elizabeth’s friendly gaze shyly. Over Miss Darcy’s shoulder Elizabeth saw Mr. Darcy smile tenderly. She was briefly able to meet his gaze.

Mrs. Bennet said, “Please, gentlemen. Do make yourselves at home.” She called for refreshments and paid every attention to her guests. Jane and Elizabeth intervened smoothly to prevent her from overwhelming the visitors, especially Miss Darcy.

After seeing to her guests’ comfort, Mrs. Bennet said, “We are so glad for your return, Mr. Darcy. We indeed despaired of you!” Elizabeth looked down as she saw Darcy look her way.

He looked grave as he said, “Please forgive me. I did not mean to give you any cause for concern. I had urgent business to attend to in London.” He paused and added, “And then we had to visit family in Kent. My cousin Miss Anne de Bourgh has lately married Mr. Sumner of Rosemount House. I offered my assistance with procuring the license.”

Elizabeth’s head jerked up and she smiled to hear of this news, though she dreaded that her mother would now speak of his aunt’s visit. Her smile faded as her mother said, “Oh! Congratulations! It is a time for weddings, is it not?” She added, “I am sorry that you did not arrive just a few days earlier. We were visited by our daughter Lydia and her husband, Mr. Wickham. They are also recently married.”

Elizabeth dared not look at Darcy. Instead she directed her gaze to his sister.

Elizabeth saw that girl’s eyes close and her face go pale. Elizabeth spoke up, “We are glad that you are with us now. I suspect you have both had too much time in the carriage though, Mr. Darcy. Perhaps Miss Darcy might like the chance to walk the paths of Longbourn and enjoy this fine weather.”

She looked up and saw Darcy’s grateful look to her as he moved to place a hand on his sister’s shoulder. He leaned down and quietly asked, “Would you like that, dearest?” She nodded though she was unable to meet her brother’s eye. He murmured, “We can go, if you prefer.” She shook her head and reached up to grasp his hand tightly in her own.

Mr. Bingley said, “What a fine idea! A walk will do us all good. Shall we go now?”

Jane, Elizabeth, Kitty, Mary, Mr. Bingley, Miss Darcy, and Mr. Darcy all took their leave. It was decided that they would all walk towards Meryton, per Mary’s suggestion. Soon Mr. Bingley took his usual place by Jane. After some moments of reassuring conference with her brother, Miss Darcy moved to walk by Kitty and Mary. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy walked side by side behind them.

Part XVIII

The girls chattered as Kitty admired and fussed over Miss Darcy’s dress and bonnet and Mary inquired about her reading habits and musical preferences. Jane and Mr. Bingley talked quietly together. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy were both silent. He was enjoying watching his sister’s interaction with the other young girls. And both he and Elizabeth were forming their own desperate resolutions.

When Kitty asked, “Elizabeth, do you mind if Mary and I take Miss Darcy to meet Maria Lucas?” she looked at Mr. Darcy. At his assenting nod, Elizabeth replied, “Not at all, Kitty.” The younger girls rushed down the side path together.

Jane and Mr. Bingley were some distance ahead of them. After a moment’s silence, both Darcy and Elizabeth started to speak. He demurred and encouraged her. She said, “Mr. Darcy, I am sorry if I selfishly wound your feelings, but I must thank you for your kindness to my poor sister Lydia. Ever since I have known of it I have been most anxious to tell you of my gratitude.”

Darcy stopped walking and looked pained. “I had hoped that you would not be informed. I did not want to make you uneasy.”

Elizabeth smiled and said, “I fear that Lady Catherine’s wishes in the matter were quite the opposite of yours.” She laughed slightly and added, “However, I offer you my thanks and that of all my family.”

Darcy shook his head. “Your family owes me nothing. I wanted only to undo the scandal that I’d unintentionally played a part in. I longed to relieve your suffering. I confess that I thought only of you.” He saw that she was blushing and seemed speechless. After a moment’s pause he gathered his courage and said, “I know that you are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were in April, please tell me at once. My wishes are exactly what they were then, except perhaps more ardent. But one word from you will silence me on the subject forever.”

Elizabeth turned to see the look of true anxiety in his face. She felt the difference in his manner and in his regard for her powerfully and was moved. She smiled and said, “My feelings are quite the opposite. Please do not be silent.”

He gasped and spoke feelingly, “Oh, loveliest Elizabeth! I have dreamt that you might come to feel differently.” He allowed his eyes to linger on her lips for a breathless moment. Then he murmured, “Extraordinary sources of happiness… you are rumored to have spoken of such.”

Elizabeth gave him a warm smile and coyly asked, “Whatever could you mean?”

Darcy said, “Lady Catherine said you told her that as my wife you would have ‘extraordinary sources of happiness.’” He tentatively reached his hand out and cupped her cheek. He said, “She took that to refer to my wealth.” He pushed a fallen tendril of hair gently behind her ear and murmured, “But I know you too well to interpret your words as she did.”

Elizabeth breathed, “How did you interpret them?”

He moved closer and said, “I would know extraordinary happiness if you were my wife, dearest Elizabeth.” He stood so close that she could feel the heat of him.

She gasped, “I do want for you to be happy, Mr. Darcy.”

He laughed slightly and leaned his head down so that his lips were very near to hers, yet not touching. He said, “Please call me Fitzwilliam.” And he stayed still, waiting. His soft whisper tickled her lips, “Please say you’ll marry me, my love.”

She responded in a whisper. “Fitzwilliam, I love you and I would be delighted to be your wife.”

Finally he crossed the distance between them and kissed her, first lightly and then with more urgency. The hand that had cupped her cheek moved to lightly stroke the skin at her neck. Shivering with pleasure, she turned to him and moved her hands up to his shoulders. They both savored the feel of the other’s body pressed close as they continued to kiss again and again. He was nearly lost in delight at her responsiveness to him.

Then gently he moved to kiss her cheek and stepped back. He kissed her hand fervently as he stared into her eyes. He whispered, “I love you, my Elizabeth, and I thank God that we are to be man and wife.”

It took effort from both to return to a proper distance and continue their walk. They moved along in a silence of equal parts contentment and frustration. After they had walked in silence for a long while, Elizabeth said, “I did worry that you would think so ill of us that you’d not return.”

He shook his head and asked, “How could I stay away?”

She raised her brows and said plaintively, “I have become sister to Wickham.”

He sighed and said tightly, “Yes. He preyed on your sister in the knowledge that it was a sure path to my support.”

Elizabeth looked shocked. “Were his actions so premeditated?”

Darcy looked down and replied, “Yes. I knew it from the moment we heard they had left together, and feared the possibility when he found that I was calling on you.” He shook his head in disgust. “As you may have ascertained, I warned your father that as people knew of my courtship of you and the likelihood of Bingley’s impending nuptials with Miss Bennet that his other daughters should be more closely guarded. I did not accuse Wickham directly then, but came near enough the point that he knew to keep Miss Lydia home from Brighton and away from him as he could.” He grimaced and said, “Wickham knows me well enough to know that I would never publicly court a woman unless she possessed my heart utterly and completely. And he is not a man with scruples enough to avoid the temptation of using that to his own ends.”

Elizabeth worried her for her sister with such a man. Her thoughts were mirrored in her expression.

Darcy kissed her hand again and continued, “Please be assured that the agreement I reached with him hinges on his respectable behavior to her. I made it clear to him that I would deal even more generously with him than he’d hoped, but only if she were well cared for in the bargain.”

Elizabeth saw a hard and unrelenting light in his eye as he said this. She said, “Your cousin told me that you did not want my gratitude, sir, but I think you shall have to bear with it all the same.”

He smiled tightly, “So long as it accompanies your love I can bear it.” He said, “Her account of your meeting gave me hope even as her account of Lady Catherine’s nonsense gave me mortification.”

Elizabeth said, “I am surprised that Lady Catherine even allowed Miss de Bourgh to speak with you. They did not seem in accord when they were here.”

Darcy said, “Your words about what a mother might do on behalf of her child struck a chord with my cousin. She managed to make her opinions of the journey to Hertfordshire clear. Really, as I’ve already indicated, Lady Catherine’s information alone taught me to hope. I know enough of your character to know that you would not hesitate to tell Lady Catherine if you wished nothing to do with me.”

Elizabeth laughed at this and asked, “How did your cousin’s marriage come about?”

Darcy said, “When Lady Catherine brought Anne to London we not only spoke of their encounter with you, but also about her situation. She said that she had received an offer of marriage but that her mother would not allow it, still hoping that she and I would end as man and wife. She told me that at your words she had decided to defy Lady Catherine, even knowing that would lead to a break with the family. She felt it would be best… for the child she carries.” He colored as he said this last. Elizabeth nodded sympathetically. “As I’ve since learned, Mr. Sumner awaited their return to Rosings and confronted Lady Catherine. When he discovered that Anne carried his child and had been forced to travel though she ought to rest for both her own well being and that of the child, he told Lady Catherine that he no longer cared for her opinions or happiness and would take Anne home with him that very day. And Anne went with him without a backward glance.” Darcy shook his head. “While I cannot approve of some of his actions I am comforted by hearing of his concern. It makes me think he does care for my cousin.”

Elizabeth said, “In that she is better off than my sister at least.”

Darcy admonished her gently, “You are not adhering to your professed philosophy of remembering only that which gives you pleasure.”

Elizabeth smiled, “Well said, sir. You shall learn to tease yet. Perhaps some day you will even learn to laugh at yourself.”

He chuckled and said, “I already laugh at myself in supposing that my first proposal was the worst you’ve ever heard.” His smile was wide and revealed his dimples. “I was nearly distracted to laughter by that thought when my aunt’s clergyman revealed he’d also been refused by you.”

She laughed and blushed in embarrassment as she looked away. Finally she said, “You have improved much, I’ll allow. I am grateful for such a sweet proposal.” She smiled impishly, “Almost as glad as I am that you are learning to laugh at yourself. It is something that it would not do to miss.”

He said, “Without you there is much I would miss in this life.”

She said, “How odd to think that so much of our time together has been formed by the unthinking behavior of others. In remembering that day in the grove at Rosings Park, I wonder how things would have gone had we not been forced by circumstance to stay in close quarters after you gave me that letter.”

Darcy said, “I cannot imagine how else we would have come into one another’s company again.”

Elizabeth pursed her lips and said, “I hate to think that our joy is so dependent on others’ weakness. I should like to think that we might have met again some way. Perhaps you might have felt moved to warn people of Mr. Wickham or enlighten Mr. Bingley simply from possessing the perspective I gave you on those matters.” She shook her head and said, “Or perhaps with the chance to reflect on my bad behavior at length you would have kept away forever from anger.”

Darcy shook his head and said, “Not at you. I was perhaps a little angry at first, but it was not long until my ire was directed in the proper direction.” He looked at her tenderly and said, “I was properly humbled by you, Elizabeth. While some of your assertions had their basis in misinformation, my behavior to you at the time was unpardonable. I can not remember it without shame.”

She smiled at him and reached up to caress his cheek tenderly. He leaned over to claim another kiss. She pulled him closer so that she stood in the protection of his embrace. He said, “I will speak with your father as soon as we return to Longbourn.”

She said, “He will be pleased. He learned to like you in London and thinks highly of you.” He kissed her again and she trembled from longing while he delighted in knowledge of it. She offered shyly, “I have more sympathy for those who allow desire to overcome them than I once did.”

Darcy kissed her again, very gently and tenderly. Then he placed a kiss on her forehead and pulled away. He said, “As do I.”

Mr. Bennet was happy to give Mr. Darcy permission to marry Elizabeth. As he returned to his library, he joked, “If any young men come for Kitty or Mary, do send them in. I am quite at my leisure.” He laughed and started to close the door.

At that moment, Hill came to announce the arrival of a Mr. Moore. Before speaking to Mr. Bennet, he paused to bow and hand a small bouquet of flowers to Mary. The expression of heartfelt delight on her face all but overwhelmed her father. Mr. Bennet welcomed the young man and listened as he earnestly made his case. It was agreed that after he was able to purchase a cottage nearby and prove he had accrued enough savings Mary would become his wife. Now engaged, the two delighted in openly exchanging letters. From sentimentality, Mary continued to preserve them in the pages of her favorite books.

Less than two months later Darcy and Elizabeth were married during a shared ceremony with Bingley and Jane. The following year, Mary happily became Mrs. Moore. A worthy man, he was assisted in his profession by his respectable new brothers and was able to provide for his beloved wife in a fashion that nearly pleased her mother.

And they all lived happily ever after.

The End